Nioh

Nioh

February 7, 2017
Sony Interactive Entertainment
4.4/5.0(57,758 reviews)
Role Playing Games
Mixed

Overall, player feedback on Nioh is notably polarized; many praise the challenging and engaging combat system along with the unique loot mechanics, while some express frustration over the lack of enemy variety, optimization issues, and steep difficulty. Positive experiences highlight rewarding gameplay and satisfying progression, but a significant number of reviews also criticize its repetitive elements and technical performance issues.

About This Game

A brutal action RPG set in a demon-haunted Sengoku Japan, where William, an Irish navigator turned samurai, cuts through yokai using a stance system that turns each weapon into three distinct combat rhythms. The loot-driven progression borrows from Diablo as much as Dark Souls, layering gear grades and Ki-pulse timing over FromSoftware-style risk and recovery. Reception is genuinely split. Steam reviews single out the combat depth and stance switching as some of the most rewarding in the sub-genre, while the recurring complaints are thin enemy variety, punishing difficulty spikes, and a story that struggles to hold attention. It rewards players who want systems to master and frustrates anyone hoping for a lighter feudal-Japan adventure.

Themes

historicalfantasydarkepicrevengemystery-solvingwar

Mechanics

real-timelinearcombatmelee-combatranged-combatblocking-parryingcombo-systemskill-treeslevelingloot-systemcharacter-creationcustomizationinventory-managementcollectiblesstory-driven

Platforms

PS4

Multiplayer

Co-op Supported

Game Information

ESRB Rating:ESRB Mature

Gameplay

Modes
Single playerMultiplayerCo-operative
Perspective
Third person

Player Reviews

Mixed

Overall, player feedback on Nioh is notably polarized; many praise the challenging and engaging combat system along with the unique loot mechanics, while some express frustration over the lack of enemy variety, optimization issues, and steep difficulty. Positive experiences highlight rewarding gameplay and satisfying progression, but a significant number of reviews also criticize its repetitive elements and technical performance issues.

Pros

  • • Challenging and rewarding combat system
  • • Variety of weapons and deep customization
  • • Engaging combat mechanics with stance switching and Ki management
  • • Strong visual design and historical themes
  • • Satisfying loot system with depth

Cons

  • • Lack of enemy variety and repetitive gameplay
  • • Performance issues and poor PC optimization
  • • Difficulty spikes can be frustrating
  • • Mediocre story and slow pacing in the narrative
  • • Navigation can feel confusing and linear

Based on 141 reviews from steam

Screenshots

Nioh — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nioh worth playing?
Nioh has a mixed reception from players, holding an average score of 4.4 out of 5 across 57,758 reviews.
Is Nioh included with PlayStation Plus?
Yes — Nioh is part of the PlayStation Plus Extra game catalogue, so subscribers on that tier can play it at no extra cost.
Is Nioh single-player or multiplayer?
Nioh supports single player, multiplayer, and co-operative.
What platforms is Nioh available on?
Nioh is available on PS4.
When did Nioh release?
Nioh released on February 7, 2017.
What is Nioh's age rating?
Nioh carries an ESRB rating of ESRB Mature.